I've just had one of those days, and need to take refuge in the list! Started last weekend when the stb. engine lost power after a long run at speed. Local engineer diagnosed fuel starvation and suggested starting by cleaning out the fuel system from tank to toe. Today was the day, nine o'clock was the time, and on the boat was the place - but no sign of the engineer. After a few hours I tracked him down on the phone and it turned out he was still finishing another job and wouldn't be able to make it today - would tomorrow be alright? Well, spurred on by all those tales of listees changing their fuel filters, priming the system, all whilst ploughing through ten foot waves - I decided it was time I got more familiar with my fuel system, and got stuck into the job myself. It's now twelve hours later, and I'm certainly more familiar with the fuel system - we both smell the same for a start. However, I've a couple of little questions some of you out there may be able to help me with.... 1. I've drained the stb. fuel tank and scraped out a quarter of an inch of crud with my fingernails, reaching through the miniscule inspection port. But, how do I get rid of the crud in the three quarters of the tank I can't reach? The tank is mild steel, with a sump and drain on the bottom (illegal I think in the US, but damn useful), and I'm considering sticking a pressure washer through the inspection port and washing all the crud out the drain. Is there anything wrong with doing this, assuming I can get all the water out before I re-fill with fuel? Should I add some detergent to the mix? 2. I've noticed everyone else's Racor filters have a snazzy little T bar handle on the top to release the lid to replace the filter inside. Mine however (900FG), have a hex nut integral with lid, which means I have to unscrew the whole thing - something that is incredibly difficult to do. Did I get the last in an old batch, before they introduced the new improved T bar. Would it be too much to expect to be able to upgrade to the T bar without having to replace the whole filter? 3. Whilst we're on Racors, there has to be an easy way of cleaning inside the bowl? Will someone please enlighten me. And what are the black plastic plug on the side and the white plastic plug near the bottom for (not the drain plug right on the bottom - I know what that's for - it's for filling your bilges with fuel!) 4. The current fuel filters on the engine side (Cat 3208TA at 375HP, circa '94) are labelled IP2299. The spares I bought last year are IR0750, and the ones I bought today are IR0740. The shop says they're all OK, but there must be some difference? Any 3208 owners out there know what's going on? So that's how my day went. How was yours? Andy Cutt Horizon 45 Hong Kong

Andy, I have a pair of 3208 NA engines, 210 HP, circa 1981. Until a couple of years ago local CAT dealer supplied the 1P-2299 fuel filters for my engines. Last year they supplied me 1R-0750 fuel filters, the parts computer program indicated the change. Order last week was also filled with 1R-0750 fuel filters. The 1R-0750 seem to have a little smaller can diameter than the originals but they mated fine at the sealing surface. No experience with the 1R-0740. > 4. The current fuel filters on the engine side (Cat 3208TA at 375HP, circa > '94) are labelled IP2299. The spares I bought last year are IR0750, and the > ones I bought today are IR0740. The shop says they're all OK, but there must > be some difference? Any 3208 owners out there know what's going on? Regards, George Brooks Nereid_V 1981 45' CHB Tri-cabin http://Nereid_V.tripod.com LaConner, WA, USA gbrooks@ncia.com

George I think it's just a running part change I'm running on the new ones as well, 3208's 210hp Rob Harrington-Johnson Gypsy Cheoy Lee 42 Hong Kong >ones I bought today are IR0740. The shop says they're all OK, but there must be some difference? Any 3208 owners out there know what's going on?<